Summertime.

           
I remember one of our first outings, a few years back- when I decided to stay at home with the kids.  My social circle still consisted of family + old co-workers, & a neighbor or two.  I finally realized that I need to make new friends- which is a story of it's own for another day.  Friends that had kids... that could provide me with a little 'adult-time', Hailey with a little playtime (while Jacob was in school), someone for us to talk to- other than Giada (Remember- I was also attending the 'Food Network Cooking School' during this period)... other than my laundry- the grocery store cashier- the Windex... 

Back to the outing.  The girls had a wonderful time.  I had a wonderful time.  This mom was unlike any other  stay-at-home-mom that I had encountered thus far.  She was a rockstar bargain shopper & extreme 'couponer' (and what made this so fascinating is that she had the means to shop full price- just chose not to), she was fun & energetic & down-to-earth & chic & stylish.  She taught me the ropes of staying at home... along with accessorizing, styling on a budget (I was clearly not used to living on a budget), and overall- being prepared.

I was drastically under-prepared.  Play dates and pool visits at her place quickly made me aware of this.  I just didn't think of things like cover-ups, and having travel toys/crayons/paper/etc. on-hand at all times, and extra baggies to put the wet clothes, and insulated lunch boxes for our spur-of-the-moment picnics.  I was the type that rushed to the store to find a bathing suit- to buy sunscreen & floaties (having discovered on our way out the door that the dog consumed the old ones) just minutes before that first summer pool party.

Well, guess what??

 I've changed.
   
                                                
I may not be fully ready for the incessant fighting the "I'm bored" or "I'm hungry" complaints, the coming heatwave... but the beach trips, the play dates, the picnics- BRING 'EM ON.

{Are you ready??}
  

19 comments:

  1. nice! i'm always in awe of those moms who seem to always have it all together and never miss a step - i don't even have kids and it stresses me out!

    have a GREAT summer!!!! :)

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  2. i hear you girl!!! happy summer to us moms!

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  3. seriously torrie! I'd love to hear the story about making new friends.... great writing by the way :)

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  4. I'm envious. I'm terribly disorganized. I'm slightly better at packing for my girls than I am myself so I guess that's good.

    Jenn

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  5. Great writing.
    indeed, i really love to hear such story.
    Xx Liefs

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  6. Brilliant! I have to do more of this. Keep stock piling wee bags and stuff butsunscreen etc, never quite gets in them. Plus I remember those days of making new friends, sort of like speed dating. Your friend may be interested in a new show I heard about, following coupon shoppers around. Sounds very fun.

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  7. I love this post! I am very organized too and I would pack everything but the kitchen sink.

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  8. i am *always* ready for summer. =)

    one tip--i keep a "pool bag" stocked with sunscreen, water toys, goggles etc. packed and i never unpack it (except for the wet suits and towels) that's all i use the bag for, makes quick trips to our neighborhood pools easy.

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  9. hahaha you're funny. glad you are ready for summer--- I am too, but the weather around here still feels like spring!

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  10. I can't picture you as unprepared ever! I figured you were always a fully stocked mamma!

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  11. @Stephanie Love your tip, and totally taking (executing) it… thank you!!

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  12. Oh I how much you have changed. I didn't know you back then but through your blog and the email convo's we have I know you are one prepared momma always ready for the next challenge. I felt the same way when I had grant. I learned from my SIL everything I needed to know but you know what it was the little things the things i knew about my son that prepared me the most! Hope you had a great wekeend. I am so sorry i am late getting here!

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  13. love this post! my best beach bag tip is to keep a few extra ziploc baggies in it (in varying sizes)...never know when you need one to keep your camera dry, for a wet suit, or leftover snacks!

    xo

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  14. LOL! What a great friend to have. I don't know that I've ever had one mom friend who embodied ALL these characteristics but I always learn something from each of my mom friends. I tend to get ready for summer (or other seasons) based on what's on sale so I've had our supply of sunscreen filled up for two months now! But I did find myself scrambling for a baggie to put wet things in after swimming last week.

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  15. love this post. i relate so well! live and learn and come out on the other side prepared for anything!

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  16. @About Last Weekend A delayed reply, but must say- YES, speed dating is exactly what it feels like. And it’s not easy for me (thank God I’ve been married for 14 years… not good at the whole ‘dating game’ :)!

    …glad to hear that there’s an end somewhere down the road (from your reference to “those days”)!

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  17. @Minnie I hadn't either, but seriously- she has ALL of these qualities, and many more!

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  18. @Bestie That's a great tip... Thanks Amy!

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  19. This is such a cute story! I have a friend like this that just thinks of everything! And it's all compartmentalized into little mini bags within the perfect tote that matches her outfit or scarf of choice. And I always think that I want to be just like her. And I guess that will never change. And I know that one day I will meet a mom just like the one that you described and I will work to achieve the same level or organization and preparedness. I hope that I can adapt and learn as quickly as you have!

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